Thanks to the GC’s status as a burgeoning foodie haven, it’s not often that we get the chance to bring you word of a totally new cuisine sauntering onto our local eats scene.

While it may be new to us, Nikkei cuisine has been having a moment of late – enjoying a rise in popularity internationally among heavy hitting culinary destinations such as Dubai, London and Miami #sohotrightnow.

There’s nothing like the prospect of discovering a brand new fave that has us forwarding that hot little link to the group chat quicker than you can say ‘whose keen?’.

With Nobby’s recently welcoming Tayta Nikkei and Pisco Bar, and with it, a whole new cuisine for us to delight in – that’s one convo we’re defs not about to be ghosting #we’resothere.

For the uninitiated, the intriguing combination of Japanese and Peruvian elements might seem a somewhat #unexpected new player in the world of fusion-style eats, though that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The culinary history behind this delicious hybrid has been formed over generations, with Nikkei the resulting cuisine of Japanese immigration to Peru some centuries ago.

Which quite frankly makes us feel like we’ve been missing out for far too long.

For owner Adriano Antonini, he could not sit idly by knowing full well the mouth-watering goodness we here on the GC were missing out on.

An impressive tenure in hospitality venues across the globe was what led Italian born Adriano to discover his love of the cuisine, after a stint working in a Nikkei hotspot in Coya, London.

Ultimately, the challenge of bringing something unique to the GC proved too irresistible, finally opening the doors to Tayta after a year long hunt for the perfect spot, adds Adriano ‘the location is great and we felt there was more need for casual fine dining options in Nobby’s’.

Heading the fit-out himself, Adriano has gone for a dark and moody vibe for the space.

Thoughtfully selected traditional Peruvian colours and patterns have informed the direction for the interiors, resulting in an elegant South American jungle aesthetic.

The 60-seat venue offers the kind of intimate ambience that invites you to settle in for a few rounds of Pisco Sours, and we oblige.

As for the food, we’re happy to report seafood lovers especially should be very keen to sea what Tayta has in store.

As a dish that originated in Peru, the menu prominently features an array of Ceviche style dishes where seafood takes centre stage.

While the likes of Tuna Chifa made with Chili Garlic, Sesame, Ponzu, Kombu, Wakame are where the obvious Japanese influences enter the chat.

We can never go past the Okonomiyaki (no matter how much we embarrass ourselves trying to pronounce it) – a Japanese Pancake with Slow cooked Pork, Charred Corn, Spicy Mayo, Tayta spiced mix.

While sushi lovers, and even the sushi ambivalent (an oxymoron, surely) will be tempted with some zesty takes on their usual go-to’s, with a boujee Tuna Roll made with Cucumber, Spicy Mayo, Truffle Ponzu, Roasted Sesame that will undoubtedly see us unable to return to it’s food court counterpart.

Also coming in September is Tayta’s Saturday brunch with bottomless Peruvian Chicha Morada cocktails.

Till then, we’ll make do with a few Hibiscus Pisco Sours – a delicious twist on the Peru’s national drink – the Classico Pisco Sour (and probably a couple of those, for good measure).

See you there, amigos!

Where: 2/2243 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday-Saturday 5-10pm

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

There’s a new smoke signal above Runaway Bay, and it’s coming from none other than Smokin’ Hot BBQ, the latest flavour sensation to grace the Gold Coast’s food scene.

Nestled in Runaway Bay, this family-owned gem is the brainchild of Donna Hoskin and Reuben Connolly, a dynamic duo with a passion for BBQ that’s off the charts.

While Smokin’ Hot BBQ officially opened doors just a couple of months ago, their story traces back to a little over three years ago where their food truck first hit the dining scene.

Donna, with a background in community-based aged care and hospital food services, managed Big Chief Burgers and boasts over 30 years of hospitality experience.

Reuben, on the other hand, worked in his family’s wholesale meat and smallgoods business for years, and with a degree in PR & Marketing, he’s now a bonafide pit master.

Together, they’ve mastered the art of low and slow BBQ, tantalizing taste buds at local events and gatherings.

With their culinary expertise, opening a restaurant so that more could get their hands on the low and slow goodness just made sense.

New to the smoked meat scene? Say less. Exactly as it sounds, these flavour bombs are cooked at low temps for long periods to make sure you get max flavour and tenderness in a way you could never from your backyard Weber.

Already calling the northern Gold Coast home, Donna and Reuben knew it was a no brainer that the bayside suburb was to be home to Smokin’ Hot BBQ.

The restaurant is a reflection of their love for the craft, with rustic accents and wood grain panelling making for the perfect spot to kick back and tuck into your choice of seriously delish smoked meats.

The team at Smokin’ Hot BBQ are mixing global flavours with their local roots to bring the flavourful goodness all made from seriously good local produce.

The many drool-worthy dining options include burgers, Texas chilli, smoked pork ribs, loaded fries, solo plates, share plates, salads, a selection for the kidlets and a bunch of lip smacking sides and sauces (liquid cheese anyone?).

Their signature share dish, the Smokin’ Hot Pit Out is an ode to the glorious flavours of BBQ perfection. Loaded with smoked brisket, pulled pork, Texas chilli, hot link (smoked sausage), house slaw, corn chips, seasoned fried, sauce and dinner rolls, every bite is a journey into the heart of BBQ perfection.

If a burger is more your jam, the Brisket Burger with smoked brisket, house slaw and smokey BBQ sauce will give you the true taste of BBQ goodness.

Whether you’re wanting to soak up the spring sun or get amongst the smokey goodness inside, what truly sets Smokin’ Hot BBQ apart is the fact that it’s a family-owned and operated business.

Donna and Reuben pour their heart and souls into every dish they serve, making each bite is a celebration of the craft and a testament to their dedication.

So, if you’re in the mood for some mouthwatering low and slow BBQ that’s crafted with love and tradition, Smokin’ Hot BBQ needs to be at the top of your list.

It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a flavour journey that Donna, Reuben, and their team invite you to savour the flavour.

Guaranteed you won’t regret it.

Where:  5/123 Lae Drive, Runaway Bay
When: From 10am Wednesday-Sunday

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

STORY SPONSORED BY SMOKIN’ HOT BBQ.